Largest Cities in Missouri

The US state of Missouri is located in the Midwestern part of the country. Missouri covers an area of 69,715 square miles and has an estimated population of 6.1 million. The Mississippi River runs along the eastern edge of the state, and Missouri has borders with eight other states: Tennessee, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. It has more borders than any other state. Missouri was part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and saw a lot of growth and development through the 19th century. Missouri is known for its combination of Midwest and Southern culture and cuisine. The capital city of Missouri is Jefferson City, but its largest city is Kansas City.

Largest Cities in Missouri

Kansas City

With a population of 459,787 people, Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri. It is the country’s 37th biggest city. It was established as a port city on the Missouri River in the 1830s. It is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. Kansas City extends across several counties. The city was originally simply called Kansas and was incorporated in 1850, being constructed at the confluence between the Missouri River and Kansas River.

St. Louis

With a population of 319,294, St. Louis is the second most populated city in Missouri. Located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is a major port and an independent city (not a part of any county). The St. Louis metropolitan area is the state’s biggest metropolitan area.

Springfield

Situated in Greene County, of which it is the county seat, Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri. The city is located in the southwestern corner of the state and is known as the ‘Queen City of the Ozarks’ due to its location among the Ozark mountains. Springfield covers an area of 82.31 square miles and has an estimated population of 167,000, with over 540,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area.

Columbia

With a population of 108,500 individuals, Columbia is Missouri’s fourth-biggest city. It is located in Boone County where it is the county seat. Columbia was established in 1821. It is home to the University of Missouri and several other prestigious institutions of higher learning. It also houses the offices of several reputed companies.

Independence

Located in Jackson County, of which it is the county seat, the city of Jackson are the fifth biggest city in Missouri and one of just five cities in the state to have a population exceeding 100,000 people. Founded in 1827, Independence covers an area of 78.25 square miles and has an estimated population of 117,000.